Grilled Squid Skewers

About this dish

Whole squid butterflied flat, scored in a crosshatch pattern, and skewered before being grilled over high heat at night market barbecue stands. The squid is basted with a sweet and savory sauce (often containing soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil) as it cooks, creating a caramelized glaze. Finished with a generous sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and sometimes fresh scallions, the squid becomes tender yet slightly chewy with crispy, charred edges. This iconic Taiwanese street food is seen at virtually every night market, with the aroma of grilling seafood drawing crowds throughout the evening.